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Single Click a triangle below to see the references CT Russell selected for the associated question. The study questions (with the references) are also included as an attached Adobe PDF file at the bottom of this page.

1. What is the importance of Patience as an element of Christian character?

2. What is the common significance of this word?

3. What is the deeper significance of this word as used in Scripture, especially in Rev 3:10 and Luke 8:15?

4. Why is ‘patient-endurance’ so necessary?

5. What is the relation between patient- endurance and self-control ?

6. How should we endure our trials and thus ‘possess our souls’?

7. What is the relation between faith and patient-endurance?

8. Why should we ‘glory in tribulation’?

9. What particular thoughts constantly kept in mind will enable us to be ‘patient in tribulation’?

(1Pe 2:20) For what glory isit, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer forit, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.(1Pe 2:21) For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:(1Pe 2:22) Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:(1Pe 2:23) Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

R3199 c1 p3

Such opposition is to be expected and will, doubtless, continue until we finish our course in death. To submit patiently to this opposition is to sacrifice our own natural preferences for the friendship and the pleasures of the present life, and to endure hardness as good soldiers for the truth's sake, in whatever shape that hardness may come, in our effort to do the Lord's will and work of advancing the interests of his Kingdom. This is what is meant by the presenting of our bodies living sacrifices in the divine service. To be really in this service involves: first, the careful and continual study of God's plan; second, the imbibing of its spirit; leading, thirdly, to an enthusiastic zeal for its accomplishment, and to activity to the extent of ability in its service, at whatever cost or sacrifice it may require.

R1964 c2 p2

The important concern to all who are thus suffering with Christ in any measure is that they bear it with the same humility, benevolence and fortitude that characterized him under the most crucial tests of endurance. He was not surprised by the exhibitions of human depravity: he knew that he was in an unfriendly world bound by sin and largely under the dominion of the prince of darkness, and therefore he expected reproaches, taunts and persecutions, all of which he endured patiently while his great loving heart, almost unmindful of its own sufferings, was full of pity and of loving concern for others. Have we indeed so much of the Master's spirit that we can thus suffer with Christ, meekly bearing reproach and trusting to heaven's vindication of us in due time? "If when ye do well and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God; for even hereunto were ye called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered he threatened not, but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously." Therefore let us "consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest we be wearied and faint in our minds." (`1 Pet. 2:20-23`; `Heb. 12:3`.) And let us also see to it that we bear the reproaches of Christ as he bore them,--with pity and prayer for the erring and depraved, if perchance God may grant unto them repentance; and with humble fortitude esteeming it a privilege to prove our devotion to the Lord by enduring hardness in his service as good soldiers.

12. How can we be ‘patient toward all ‘?

13. Why is there special need of patience in the Harvest of the Gospel age?

14. Is it possible to pervert the grace of patience?

15. Why does the Apostle rank patient-endurance above even Love ?

16. What is the relation between patience and ‘enduring hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ’?

17. How are we to run the race for ‘the prize of our high calling of God in Christ Jesus’?

18. Why is patient-endurance the final test ?

19. How is God’s promise to those who ‘keep the word of his patience’ now fulfilled?

20. What lessons do we learn from Jesus’ example of patience?

21. What other notable examples of patience are recorded in Scripture?

22. Is patience an essential quality in an Elder?

23. How can we cultivate patient-endurance?

24. What additional thoughts are suggested by reference to the Topical Indexes of ‘ Heavenly Manna ‘ and the ‘ Watch Tower Bible ‘?